June 9, 2018

With advancements of dental technology comes more ways to perform the same treatment, except with more conveniences. Whether you want to improve your smile’s overall appearance or fix your poor bite, orthodontics can make it happen. The next question is, which treatment is right for your case?

Today, your dentist wanted to discuss traditional metal braces that have been around for many decades and Invisalign in Conyers. She’ll discuss everything you can expect from both treatments, including how long you’ll wear them for, cost, the types of candidates that use them, and more!

How Do the Processes Differ for Metal Braces and Invisalign?

Traditional braces use a series of brackets and arch wires placed across teeth. This metal hardware is also paired with elastic bands which keep the brackets secured, as well as dental bonding that cements the bracket to the surface of teeth. By tightening the arch wire every few weeks, the hardware applies small amounts of force, which push teeth into a straighter position.

Invisalign also uses small amounts of force to push teeth, but without the use of any metal hardware at all. Instead, they use a series of custom-made clear aligners made from thermoplastic. Each pair in the series is meant to represent a different stage of your treatment. Over time, you remove your current pair and move to the next one until your smile looks straight.

How Long Does Each Treatment Take?

On average, traditional braces can take anywhere from 18 months to 2 and a half years to complete. This treatment length often deters people from starting treatment, especially if they are older. However, Invisalign treatment has an average treatment time of 6 to 18 months.

Keep in mind that the length of treatment varies from patient to patient, so you won’t learn your estimated treatment time until you have a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Conyers.

What Does a Candidate Look Like?

While both treatments require patients with healthy gums and good oral health overall, you’ll need to understand the benefits each treatment offers.

For example, traditional braces are ideal for patients with severe misalignment or bite issues. Patients trying to realign back teeth will want to choose metal braces over Invisalign.

However, patients with mild to moderate levels of misalignment, particularly in the visible area of their smile will likely prefer Invisalign.

Are These Treatments Painful?

Since both treatments apply pressure to teeth, there will be some mild discomfort as your teeth get used to their new position. Luckily, this transition only takes a few days at most to get acclimated to.

How Much Do These Treatments Cost?

Their costs are quite comparable, with traditional braces averaging between $3,000 to $7,000 and Invisalign averaging from $3,000 to $5,000. Invisalign requires fewer orthodontic appointments to manage, but also requires patients to wear their aligners as much as possible. For this reason, it’s often recommended that younger patients pursue traditional braces.

Have more questions about metal braces and Invisalign in Conyers? Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to learn more!

About the Author

Dr. Priyanaka Seekand earned her dental degree from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. She helps patients rediscover and improve their smile, particularly through Invisalign clear aligners. Her additional training in cosmetic dentistry ensures that your treatment will be as smooth and accommodating as possible. To learn more about her practice, contact her through her website.

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